Runrio Reusable Timing Card launched

Runrio, Inc. President/CEO Coach Rio dela Cruz introduced to the public another innovation in timing technology in the country’s local races… the Runrio Reusable Timing Card. In partnership with BDO, the launching was held at the activity area in BHS in front of RUNNR Store last Saturday morning of June 18, 2011.

It was attended by mostly loyal followers of Runrio-organized races and bloggers who continue to support and promote running in the country.



The technology was presented in an Audio-visual presentation followed by open forum wherein coach Rio answered questions regarding the benefits of the new timing system. Suggestions were also given by the participants on how to further maximize the use of the timing card. Some of the issues discussed include the keeping track of a runner’s time in all Runrio-organized races and will also be posted in the Runrio website. It will also facilitate the ranking of runners according to their performance thereby creating a National Ranking of Filipino Runners. It will be a great motivation for everyone to improve one’s performance. Runners will also then be classified according to performance and not on age bracket alone. Runrio plans to give prizes to each class categories in all its races in the near future. This will distribute the prizes awarded not only to the elite ones (who by the way are being dominated recently by the Kenyans) but other challenged runners, too. The card will also facilitate easy registration because runners will not need to fill up the entry of personal data anymore. You just have to swipe and key in the race category and singlet size and you’re already registered in a race. The Timing Chip will also have a reward point system that can be used by loyal runners to purchase Runrio items or for discount to future Runrio races.

Those who will register to the upcoming Rexona and Run United Races will receive the Timing Chip for free. For more information on the Timing Card please visit Runrio.com.

There was also a raffle where yours truly was one of the lucky winners of a Thriv apparel.


The event ended with a breakfast treat prepared by Runrio staff with the support from sponsors.

Recap: 2011 Mizuno Infinity Run

The 2008 Mizuno Infinity Run will always be a memorable event for me, because it was my very first official race. I joined the 5K category then.

In 2009, however, we DNSed (Did Not Start) because Swthrt’s father met a tragic accident that lead to his untimely death. In 2010, Swthrt and I only ran the 5K, for unremembered reason.

The Race
It was familiar but very challenging route in this race. It was quite a long time since we joined a race that passes through Bayani Road going to C5. The race started early but runners were caught in a surprise that no count down or announcement that the gun will be fired to send off the runners. The host was even caught unaware when the starting gun was fired, and there we go!

We had a good start going all the way to Kalayaan flyover up to the first U-turn point in Buendia near South Super Highway. On our way back, tiredness began to set in which slowed down our pace. Swthrt continued to run on a steady pace as we ran along Bayani Road while I was already struggling to keep pace with her. We still managed to finish a 2:45:+ which was almost identical to the time we have in our last two 21K races, the Goldilocks Run and the AKTV Run. Our muscles must have memorized the pace, he he he. This really calls for a speed training sessions!


Some Observations
Water stations were strategically placed but lacked personnel to immediately refill water cups. Thank God our hydration bottles always come in handy during this point. The showers from the water tanks was a welcome treat for the 21K runners. The joint use of the Lawton Ave. (part of the route) with other runners from other race (Security Bank Fun Run) made the road crowded. 21K runners have to zigzag their way especially there were many walkers from the other race that blocked the road. There were also insufficient finisher’s medals. Those who finished late will have to wait for their medals to be delivered home which I doubt if this could be fulfilled by the organizers. Mizuno should make true of their slogan “Never Settle,” as they should never settle to a good enough race but always strive for the best race ever! More power to Mizuno!

An AKTV run for Team JRunning

Swthrt and I prefers racing in BHS rather than in MOA because of accessibility. But because AKTV Run was scheduled in MOA last Sunday, running there is inevitable.

The Race
We tried to arrive early to be able to make warm up runs, just like what we did during the Goldilocks Run, but we failed. We arrived just in time when 21K runners were being called to the starting coral. We immediately proceeded and planned that we will treat the first few kilometers as our warm up run. As always, the first few kilometers were not easy for us. Soon after the second water station we began to get our rhythm and pick up our pace. I personally liked the route, but not the weather. It was a good thing the organizers adjusted the gun start earlier. The run all the way to Roxas Blvd. was no problem though the flyovers (Buendia and EDSA) really gave a great challenge, something different from the usual Kalayaan flyover route. As we make the final U turn near the Airport Road in Baclaran the sun was up and here comes the rising temperature. Blisters were also felt in the feet and arms. Swthrt even had some blisters at the back because of the shorts she wore (new and not tested for long runs). We try to maintain a constant pace and proper form. We also kept the mantra “No pressure, just run your pace”. Actually, our first 10K was 1:14:+. We enjoyed so much the Goldilocks run that we wanted to duplicate it again in this run. As we made our way back, Swthrt would run as far as she could before having the walk breaks which made me keep up with her. This was sort of a game for us. It was fun and we enjoyed it. For a while I taught we could break the 2:30 mark. We finished at 2:45:+ and a great run. We took some time to look around the activity area and went home happy with our run.

Swthrt and Anna, the Meek Runner

Some thoughts
This race may not be at par with the other Runrio races like the Unilab trilogy, but it was observed how organized it was. Comments and even negative remarks made on some forums regarding the race organization, freebies, and after race events made me think on why do runners run? Is it only for the freebies, finisher shirts and the medals? When I started running in 2008, these things were not much of a concern for runners, they were just happy to finish races or set new PRs. Blogs and other running forums were venues to share experiences and give encouragements or inspirations to other runners. This is not to depend on anyone else but to let all the runners give their thoughts on why they run.

Since registration fees are now quite expensive, the decision is still on us whether to join weekly races or not. Running can be free too! Let us not focus on the freebies or material gains but rather on the fun and physical benefits of running. Maybe we will just….keep on running!

One down and more to come

We ran and finished the 21K category of the AKTV run last Sunday, June 5 2011 at the Mall of Asia. The full race recap will be posted soon...

and more races to come...

Mizuno Infinity Run 2001, June 11

Yamaha Run for Heroes, July 3, 2011

Just keep on running!